Look to the Veteran: Learn Patriotism by Example!

A few thoughts as we prepare to honor so many.

Courtesy: Q Madp IraqWarHeroes.org

(HARRISVILLE, N.H.) - We know the first ten amendments to the Constitution as “The Bill of Rights”. We all certainly owe the Founding Fathers a great deal for constructing a document that all thirteen of the original states could agree upon. The patriots who fought and died in the Revolutionary War made it possible for such a document to be discussed, analyzed, constructed, and ratified. They were great men, each of them. As Memorial Day approaches, it is just as important to recognize and honor those who made it possible for our Bill of Rights to remain in existence for the 219 years it has defined and safeguarded our freedoms and for the Constitution itself for the 223 years it has existed. If you are not sure who deserves your thanks, let me help you:

Freedom of Religion: The right to worship God (or not) as you see fit . . . When your knees hit the floor tonight and you thank God for giving you one more day to hug your kids and grandkids, thank a veteran \because it was veterans who made it possible for preachers to practice their trade for the last 219 years.

Freedom of Speech: The right to speak your mind and say what you think regardless of what others may think . . . The next time you voice your opinion even though it may not be politically correct, thank a veteran for making it possible for those with the courage to speak their minds to do so for the last 219 years.

Freedom of the press: this guarantees us the right to publish fact and opinion, even if that fact and opinion is critical of the government. The next time you read an article in the Salem-News that tells it like it is, thank a veteran. Veterans have made it possible for reporters and editors to practice their trade for the last 219 years.

Freedom to assemble: This freedom guarantees us the right to peacefully assemble, for any reason. When Americans of all political factions gather to peacefully discuss concerns and potential lawful actions, they should thank veterans for maintaining their right to do so for the last 219 years.

The right to keep and bear arms: The next time you go hunting or enjoy a day of target shooting, thank a veteran for maintaining your right to keep and bear arms for the last 219 years.

I am not going to run through all of our rights at this time but you should know what they are and thank the veterans who fought and died to maintain those rights for you. So, this Memorial day, when the American flag passes by you, stand up proudly, remove your hat if you are wearing one, and place your hand over your heart. Do this in honor of your country and of the blood shed by those many veterans who gave their all so that we might enjoy these rights. I would personally like to thank each and every American veteran – they are true patriots . . . and that is not just my opinion!

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Writer Robert Collinsworth is an American who isn't hesitant to talk about the good side of his country, and that is a welcome thing in this day and age. Salem-News.com admittedly, is very critical of both American politics, as well as those of other nations that we perceive is being wrong in their motives and actions. At the same time, within these structures we criticize, are many outstanding people who make each day a better place for all those around them. They embody and personify the American spirit that is sometimes fleeting, but always present. These are some of the things Robert takes into account when writing commentary that is designed reach people, to "get them thinking" in his words, and indeed it does. Salem-News.com's goal is for all people to be on the same page, we appreciate Bob's more conservative approach toward that same goal."

You can write to Bob Collingsworth at this email address: colli2@webryders.net